Chettinad Health City Medical Journal (E-2278-2044 & P-2277-8845)

Redefining Faculty in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Medical Education

2025-10-19T14:03:28+00:00

Introduction
The rapid embrace of digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is leading to a paradigm shift for medical education. Peer-to-peer interactions, patient interactions, and human faculty have traditionally been the pillars of medical education. But increasingly, AI systems, from generative language models to intelligent tutoring platforms, assumed faculty-like roles, including lecturing, simulating clinical scenarios, providing feedback, and even advising students. Raising the issue of whether AI tutors should be recognised as “faculty” in medical education, this development does.
The Development of AI Tutors

From basic e-learning systems to advanced systems with competency- based testing, adaptive learning, and individualised feedback, AI-driven tools have evolved. Natural language processing-based models can generate case studies, quiz items, and explanations depending on the levels of proficiency of the learners.1 In parallel, AI-driven clinical case generators and virtual patient simulations provide realistic training environments that mirror the complexity of real healthcare.2 AI instructors now become interactive mentors as well as providing
content. Anatomical and physiological simulations by AI provide individualised instruction previously only provided by human instructors, while conversational agents probe diagnostic reasoning.3,4 Such features
suggest that AI’s role may go beyond the role of a simple “tool” and begin to approach that of a faculty member.

How to cite this article:
Raja D. Redefining Faculty in the Age of Artificial
Intelligence: Implications for Medical Education.
Chettinad Health City Med J. 2025;14(3):1-3.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202531

A Study to Assess the Fitness Level of Elementary School Students in Kamrup Metro, Assam

2025-10-19T14:03:28+00:00

Introduction: The prevalence ofphysical inactivity, affecting both children and adults, stands out as a paramount public health challenge in the 21st century. Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for diseases linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity in children emerges as a catalyst not just for enhancing their physical well-being but also for bolstering self-esteem, nurturing social skills, and shaping behaviour which can contribute to the cultivation of a positive and enduring lifestyle throughout their lives.
Objective: To assess the fitness levels of elementary school students in Kamrup Metro, Assam, using the FitnessGram test
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 468 students aged 7–11 years. Four FitnessGram tests (1-mile walk test, sit-and-reach, trunk lift, and curl-up) were administered to assess aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. Descriptive statistics were done using the SPSS statistical tool.
Results: The results showed that boys demonstrated a significantly higher average aerobic capacity (VO2 max) than girls (p < 0.05). This superior performance by boys was consistently noted across other fitness measures, specifically the Sit-and-Reach, Curl-Up, and Trunk
Lift assessments.
Conclusion: This research evaluated the physical fitness of elementary school children in Kamrup Metro, Assam, highlighting that boys exhibited significantly superior physical fitness as compared to girls in gender
specific tests and contributions (significant at p < 0.001). Thus, the present study reveals the direct relationship of physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscular strength and flexibility and endurance) among elementary school students using the FitnessGram test. As regular physical activity improves the physical fitness of an individual, adding various activities to the daily routine will not only help to improve fitness level but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How to cite this article:
Phukan P, Sarma S C S, Sarma D K, Sharma R. A
Study to Assess the Fitness Level of Elementary
School Students in Kamrup Metro, Assam.
Chettinad Health City Med J. 2025;14(3):11-18.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202533

Evaluation of Medication Errors among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

2025-10-19T14:03:29+00:00

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major global health concern, with its rising prevalence closely linked to an ageing population and the growing incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Patients with CKD are particularly vulnerable to medication errors due to the complexity of their treatment regimens and the need for dosage adjustments based on renal function. These errors may occur at any stage of the medication use process—including prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring—and can result
in hospitalisations, accelerated disease progression, or even death.
Methodology: An observational study was conducted over three years in a tertiary care hospital. Adult inpatients (18 years or older) diagnosed with any stage of CKD, receiving at least one prescribed medication,
and providing informed consent were enrolled in the study.
Results: Medication errors were categorised using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC-MERP) classification system. Out of 136 identified errors, 46 occurred during the prescribing stage, 59 during transcription, and 31 during medication administration. The data also revealed a
higher incidence of errors among older patients, those with multiple comorbidities, and individuals with advanced stages of CKD, emphasising the need for enhanced vigilance in these subgroups.
Conclusion: Targeted interventions focusing on high-risk patients—particularly the elderly and those with complex health profiles—are essential for reducing medication errors and enhancing overall patient safety in CKD care.

How to cite this article:
Anjali K, S P Bhatt. Evaluation of Medication
Errors among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Chettinad Health
City Med J. 2025;14(3):25-30.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202535

Environmental Mastery among Female School Teachers: The Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Assertiveness Training

2025-10-19T14:03:29+00:00

Introduction: Environmental Mastery (EM) is a crucial element of psychological well-being, vital for school teachers to effectively manage occupational stress and adapt to the changing demands of the educational environment. Teachers with high EM are better equipped to handle professional responsibilities, thereby enhancing both personal well-being and teaching effectiveness.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Assertiveness Training (AT) in improving EM among female school teachers.
Methodology: Out of 297 teachers, a total of 90 female school teachers were screened using the EM subscale of Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ACT
(n = 30), AT (n = 30), or a Waitlist Control Group (n = 30). The study employed a before–after–follow–up design, with the control group receiving intervention after the follow-up phase. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), within- and between-subject analyses, and post hoc comparisons were used to assess the intervention’s effectiveness.
Results: The ACT group demonstrated the most significant improvement in EM. Post-intervention scores showed that the ACT group (M = 28.44) significantly outperformed both the AT group (M = 20.17) and the Waitlist Control Group (M = 18.72). The AT and control groups formed a homogeneous subgroup, showing no significant difference between them, while the ACT group appeared as a distinct cluster, confirming the strong impact of ACT on EM.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the effectiveness of ACT in enhancing EM among female school teachers. Incorporating ACT into school-based mental health programmes may improve teachers’ adaptability and resilience, reduce occupational stress, and promote overall psychological well-being.

How to cite this article:
Anusuya S P, Gayatridevi. Environmental Mastery
among Female School Teachers: The Effects of
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and
Assertiveness Training. Chettinad Health City
Med J. 2025;14(3):4-10.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202532

Development and Applications of a Novel ‘Three in-One Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film Hanger’ in Dental Radiographic Film Processing

2025-10-19T14:29:31+00:00

Introduction: Intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAs) are essential diagnostic tools in dentistry. The traditional method of producing X-rays involves intraoral film placement, followed by manual processing in a darkroom using a developer, water, fixer, and a final rinse before drying. Common errors like underdevelopment, overdevelopment, underfixing, and overfixing, often due to improper immersion or timing, result in sub-optimal image quality. To mitigate these issues, a ‘Three-in-One Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film Hanger’ was designed. This device aims to standardise the processing procedure, reducing variability and ensuring consistent, high-quality radiographs.
Materials and Methodology: The materials used in developing this device were an X-ray hanger, a magnetic float sensor, and a setup box, including the battery setup. This device employs a Wi-Fi controller timer for precise processing times and a magnetic float to ensure complete film immersion. The system has audible alerts (an alarm) that notify the user when the processing time is nearing completion. This ensures precise development and avoids over- or underdevelopment of the X-ray film. A total of 20 films (10 IOPA and 10 occlusal radiographs) were processed using the smart X-ray hanger.
Results: All 20 films were well-developed, producing quality radiographs. The smart hanger reduced processing errors and faulty radiographs by 100%. The major processing errors, namely, over-/ underdeveloping, over-/ underfixing and improper immersion, were completely averted by the smart X-ray hanger. All the films were evenly developed and fixed with no inconsistencies.
Conclusion: The Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film Hanger is a significant innovation in traditional film processing, serving as an indispensable tool for achieving precise and reliable immersion and timing measurements. Its consistent performance contributes to a standardised processing protocol, minimising variability and ensuring uniform results across all films. By utilising this device, dental professionals can significantly reduce X-ray film wastage and consistently produce high-quality radiographs, facilitating accurate diagnoses for all dental diseases.

How to cite this article:
Varsa M S, Samyuktha K G, G Jeevitha, G
Anuradha. Development and Applications of a
Novel ‘Three-in-One Smart Aqua-Time X-Ray Film
Hanger’ in Dental Radiographic Film Processing.
Chettinad Health City Med J. 2025;14(3):19=24.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202534

Navigating the Visual Distortions Associated with Charles Bonnet Syndrome

2025-10-19T14:03:29+00:00

The term Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) describes the visual hallucinations that arise from the brain adapting to a substantial loss of eyesight. Age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases that impair vision are more common in the elderly than in any other age group. Damage to the visual pathway causes visual hallucinations in people with CBS. These patients retain entire intellectual functioning along with partial or complete knowledge that the imaginations are not genuine, absence of psychosocial disorders, and absence of hallucinations impacting other sensory organs. The literature on neurology, geriatric medicine, and psychiatry has extensively recorded cases of CBS; however, optometry and ophthalmology have not provided as much
material. Therefore, practising clinicians need to be more aware of the symptoms and signs linked with CBS. This review discusses the pathophysiology of CBS, alternative causes of visual hallucinations, and practical therapeutic techniques.

How to cite this article:
Jani B, Thanki T, Parekh K. Navigating the
Visual Distortions Associated with Charles
Bonnet Syndrome. Chettinad Health City Med
J. 2025;14(3):31-36.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202536

Soybeans and Cancer: A Comprehensive Look at Bioactive Components and Their Benefits

2025-10-23T05:07:47+00:00

Soybeans (Glycine max), rich in bioactive components like isoflavones, are believed to lower cancer risk, particularly breast cancer, and their use in hydrophobic medicines enhances their anticancer properties. The current review suggests that soybeans might be used as a food and a medicinal component for their anticancer capabilities. Soproducts like soybean paste, fermented beverages, okara, thua-nao and black soybean extract cream can reduce the risk of gastric, oesophageal, and colon cancers. They have anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties along with a potential for NIR (Near-Infrared)-triggered cancer treatment. They regulate Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signalling, reduce cell proliferation, and modulate gut microbiota. Soy contains twelve isoflavone compounds (glycitin, malonylglycitin, acetylglycitin, genistin, malonylgenistin, acetylgenistin, daidzin, acetyldaidzin, malonyldaidzin, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein), which can be enhanced through fermentation, irradiation, and nanospray drying extraction. These compounds, alone or in combination with other compounds, can be used as anticancer drug carriers, surfactants, antineoplastic agents, and for targeted therapies, growth-inhibitory effects, increasing cellular uptake, and reducing reactive oxygen species.
Soy compounds, such as genistein, coumestrol, soy lecithin liposomes and other nanoparticles have various properties in cancer treatment delivery systems. The creation of novel soybean-based products and formulations will be beneficial for the betterment of cancer patients’ dietary and lifestyle choices.

How to cite this article:
Neelaveni K, Preethi S A E. Soybeans and Cancer:
A Comprehensive Look at Bioactive Components
and Their Benefits. Chettinad Health City Med
J. 2025;14(3):37-41.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202537

Neurological Challenges in Burkitt Lymphoma: A Case Report of Vincristine-Induced Neuropathy

2025-10-19T14:03:29+00:00

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma-related immune-mediated neuropathies are uncommon and might be challenging to distinguish from neuropathies caused by other aetiologies. We present the medical and pathological data of a 16-year-old patient who had Burkitt-like cancer. Motor axonal polyneuropathy was suspected due to the neuropathy characteristics, which developed during chemotherapy induction with a cumulative dosage of 0.4 mg vincristine. Our theory is that the lymphoma-induced immunological mechanisms caused disruption to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), making it more susceptible to vincristine’s harmful effects.

How to cite this article:
Radhanpura Y, Gadhiya H, Sanja S, Shingala R,
Gajipara D. Neurological Challenges in Burkitt
Lymphoma: A Case Report of Vincristine-Induced
Neuropathy. Chettinad Health City Med J.
2025;14(3):42-44.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202538

Assessment of Knowledge among the Paramedical Staff on the Collection and Processing of Blood Samples for IL-6 Assay in COVID-19 Patients

2025-10-19T14:03:29+00:00

Background: While laboratory investigations play a major role in guiding therapeutics in COVID-19, the knowledge of the COVID-19 warriors about the collection and processing of laboratory samples has been
challenging. It has been noticed that a delay in performing interleukin-6 (IL-6) assay leads to a wrong interpretation of the results.
Aim: To assess the knowledge of paramedical staff on the collection and processing of blood samples from COVID-19 patients with a special reference to IL-6.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire involving qualitative and quantitative data was prepared to assess the knowledge of the paramedical staff who were involved in the collection, transport and processing of blood samples. The survey was conducted among 200 paramedical staff and the participants were interviewed through online Google Forms. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages of items were calculated to assess the knowledge of participants about the collection, transport and processing of biochemical parameters.
Results: More than 30% of the paramedical staff involved in the collection, transport and processing of biochemical samples lacked awareness that a delay in transport and processing would cause false
results.
Conclusion: The study participants were given awareness regarding the collection, transport and processing procedures while collecting csamples for IL-6 to avoid false interpretation of the results.

Antibacterial Activity of Homoeopathic Medicine Hepar Sulphuricum 200 C & 1 M against Lung Pathogens - In Vitro

2025-10-19T14:03:29+00:00

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant global health problems. It occurs when bacteria adapt to the use of antibiotics, leading to resistance. Certain bacterial strains have developed resistance to nearly all available medications, necessitating the discovery of new antibacterial drugs.
Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of homoeopathic medicines using zone of inhibition (ZOI) analysis against specific bacterial strains
Methods: The study involved the preparation of broth cultures of the targeted organisms, allowing colonies to form. The ZOI and minimum inhibitory concentration were assessed for each sample against
Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Hepar sulphuricum 200 C and 1 M were tested for their antibacterial activity. Dispensing alcohol was used as a vehicle control.
Results: Hepar sulphuricum 200 C and 1 M exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The ZOI was measured, confirming the antibacterial effect
of the homoeopathic medicine.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the homoeopathic medicine Hepar sulphuricum 200 C and 1 M has an effective antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, providing a potential alternative in combating resistant bacterial strains.

How to cite this article:
Sivaramyapragathi R S, Akshaya M M, Sisir P R.
Antibacterial Activity of Homoeopathic Medicine
Hepar Sulphuricum 200 C & 1 M against Lung
Pathogens - In Vitro. Chettinad Health City Med
J. 2025;14(3):45-50.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202539